Researchers have been investigating how feelings of gratitude can affect romantic relationships between couples after one partner returns from military deployment. One study found that when individuals felt more grateful towards their partner during the deployment period, they were less likely to experience negative emotions like anxiety or loneliness and more likely to feel closer to their partner upon reunion. This may be due to the fact that expressing gratitude reinforces positive interactions and strengthens the bond between partners. Another study showed that individuals who reported higher levels of gratitude towards their partner during the deployment were more likely to prioritize their relationship over other activities such as work or socializing. This may indicate that gratitude towards partners can shape emotional priorities even after the return home.
These studies suggest that gratitude is an important factor in maintaining healthy romantic relationships following deployment.
Another study looked at how gratitude can help mitigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among veterans and their partners. Veterans who expressed greater gratitude towards their partner before and during deployment had lower rates of PTSD symptoms compared to those who did not. Similarly, partners of veterans who reported feeling gratitude towards them also experienced fewer symptoms of PTSD. This suggests that gratitude can play a role in helping individuals cope with the challenges associated with deployment and transition back into civilian life.
There are some limitations to this research.
It is unclear whether gratitude is a cause or consequence of stronger relationships.
Many factors beyond gratitude, such as communication style, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills, may contribute to successful post-deployment relationships. It is also possible that individuals who already have strong relationships are simply more likely to experience gratitude towards their partners.
Most of the studies on gratitude and relationships focus exclusively on heterosexual couples, so more research is needed to understand how gratitude affects non-heteronormative relationships.
Research suggests that gratitude plays an important role in shaping emotional priorities for partners after military deployment. Expressing gratitude towards one's partner during separation may reduce negative feelings like anxiety and loneliness and strengthen the relationship upon reunion. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interplay between gratitude and other factors influencing post-deployment relationships.
How does gratitude toward partners shape emotional priorities after deployment?
The emotional needs of military personnel who have just returned from deployment tend to be different than those of their civilian counterparts due to unique experiences they had during service. Deployment is often associated with high levels of stress, which can result in various psychological and social consequences such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance abuse, and suicide ideation.